Your Labradoodle's coat texture, including whether it's curly, wavy, or straight, is determined by specific genetic factors inherited from its parents. The primary reason a Labradoodle might not have a curly coat lies in the unique combination of genes it possesses at what is known as the Cu Locus, also referred to as the curly hair gene.
Understanding the Genetics of Labradoodle Coats
The Cu Locus dictates the curliness of a Labradoodle's hair. There are two main versions (alleles) of this gene:
- Cu (non-curl allele): Associated with straight hair.
- CuC (curl allele): Associated with curly hair.
Every Labradoodle inherits two copies of this gene, one from each parent. The combination of these two copies determines the final coat type.
How Gene Combinations Affect Coat Texture
The specific pairing of these alleles results in distinct coat textures:
| Genetic Combination | Expected Coat Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cu/Cu | Straight Hair | Dogs with two copies of the Cu allele will have a straight coat. |
| Cu/CuC | Looser Curl or Wavy Coat | Dogs with one copy of Cu and one copy of CuC typically have a looser curl or a wavy coat. |
| CuC/CuC | Tight Curly Coat | Dogs with two copies of the CuC allele typically have a tight, curly coat. |
Therefore, if your Labradoodle has straight hair, it likely inherited two copies of the Cu allele (Cu/Cu). If it has a wavy coat, it likely inherited one copy of each allele (Cu/CuC).
What This Means for Your Labradoodle
- Parental Influence: The coat type of a Labradoodle is directly influenced by the genetic makeup of its Labrador Retriever and Poodle parents, and subsequent generations of Labradoodle breeding.
- Variety in Litters: Even within the same litter, Labradoodle puppies can display different coat types if the parents carry a mix of the
CuandCuCalleles. - Beyond Aesthetics: While curliness is often a desired trait for hypoallergenic reasons, a straight or wavy coat does not diminish the wonderful companionship a Labradoodle offers.
Understanding these genetic principles helps explain the diverse range of beautiful coats seen within the Labradoodle breed.
